GARETH DUNCAN watched the Free State Cheetahs put in a strong second-half performance to beat Griquas 29-16 in Kimberley .

The victors were second best in the opening 40 as Griquas dominated the first half with a stronger forwards display. Flyhalf Johan Goosen opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, converting a penalty on his third attempt. But the Kimberley union crossed the chalk on two occasions thereafter, via and lock Logtoring Landman and wing Rocco Jansen.

Free State levelled matters at 10-10 just before the break as flank Lappies Labuschagne dotted down on the stroke of half-time.

The South African rugby fraternity will be happy that Goosen managed to get in 50 minutes under the belt, in his first appearance since suffering a serious shoulder injury midway through Super Rugby. He missed a few goal attempts and made a few errors, but also showed signs that he’ll be back to his top form sooner than expected.

Following the youngster’s substitution, Free State ran in three tries to seal a useful bonus-point triumph. wing Raymond Rhile, flank Franjs Viljoen and scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius touched down as the Cheetahs surged to victory.